On 16 July 2026, Eco-Sud inaugurated the new Skills and Tasting Space at its Resilient Organic Community (ROC) Agroecological Centre in Ville Noire, Mahébourg, strengthening its commitment to food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture and women’s empowerment.
Launched in 2020, ROC promotes regenerative agriculture, food security and local economic opportunities. The new space celebrates the achievements of 28 participants in the Plante, Kwi, Transmet project, supported by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). Through training delivered by FAREI and other patners in agroecology, food processing, nutrition, entrepreneurship and personal development, participants developed a range of locally inspired products under their new brand, Dipin Soley.
From moringa pesto and cassava satini to roselle jam and banana peel achar, these creations demonstrate how local, often underutilised resources can be transformed into innovative products while supporting women’s entrepreneurship.
Sébastien Sauvage, CEO of Eco-Sud, called for a transformation of Mauritius' food system. He stressed the need to produce more of our own food, value local resources and seeds and protect agricultural land from speculation to secure a more resilient future.
ROC Coordinator Astrid Raghoonauth emphasised that food sovereignty requires collective action from communities, producers, consumers and institutions.
Eco-Sud has also published The Flavours of ROC, a free recipe book featuring local ingredients, food-processing techniques and participants’ creations. The training programme will continue until the end of 2027.
The public is invited to visit the Skills and Tasting Space, discover the flavours of local produce and support this community-led initiative towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.
About the Plante, Kwi, Transmet project
The PLANTE, KWI, TRANSMET project empowers women in southeastern Mauritius through three-year training in agroecology, food processing, nutrition and entrepreneurship, promoting local products and economic independence.
